Thirst Quenchers

We are experiencing an exceptionally hot summer. Although we know water is the best drink to quench the thirst, we are always looking for something different and exciting as a substitute for water, to spice things up. We often associate the words “Organic, Aloe, Coconut, and Slimmer’s Choice” with health. We assume that these drinks should be healthier compared to the average soft drink on the market that contain sugar. Although a variety of foods contribute to the development of obesity, the contribution of soft drinks has proved to be significant. A closer look at these apparently “healthy” drinks can assist us in deciding whether they are beneficial or not.

This drink provides 249 kJ of energy and 19 g (4 teaspoons) of sugar per serving

Interesting to note that although the energy value is lower than the normal Ice tea the sugar content is the same

Peach flavoured Ceylon Ice Tea

Manhattan Black Ice Tea Lite

250 ml serving

500 ml serving

This drinks provides 348 kJ of energy and 19 g (4 teaspoons) of sugar per serving

This drink provides zero kilojoules of energy and zero amount of sugar per serving

Flavoured waters

Vita Coco Coconut Water

Vitamin water

330 ml serving

500 ml serving

This drink provides

238 kJ of energy and

15 g (3 teaspoons) of

Sugar per serving

This drink provides 495 kJ of energy and 27 g (5 teaspoons) of sugar per serving.

The vitamins provided are insignificant

Aloe Vera with Honey

Light Aloe Vera with Honey

500 ml serving

500 ml serving

This drink provides 504 kJ of energy and 30 g (6 teaspoons) of sugar per serving

This drink provides 126 kJ of energy and 14 g (2 Teaspoons) of sugar per serving

The nutritional analyses above prove most drinks contain significant amounts of sugar. Contrary to the sugar in foods such as fresh fruit that contain fibre, the sugar in liquids gets quickly absorbed into the blood stream causing blood sugar highs and dips that inhibit the maintenance of optimal energy levels.

Artificial sweeteners are used in the manufacturing of ‘Lite’ drinks. Despite the detrimental health claims regarding sweeteners on popular websites, no scientific evidence to date, have proved these claims to be true.